"Re-issue! Re-package! Re-evaluate the songs." Morrissey sneered these words at record executives on "Paint A Vulgar Picture", a track from the Smiths Strangeways, Here We Come. But, just like a boomerang, these very words can be applied to Morrissey on the latest Smiths European release, Singles.
Greatest hits albums can serve several purposes - introducing an established band to a potentially unfamiliar audience, the release of several new "hit" songs to bridge the gap before a new album's issuance, or the unearthing of hard to find versions of well-known songs. Unfortunately, Singles offers none of these reasons.
The 18 songs which comprise Singles have no reworked versions; the "How Soon Is Now" single mix is curiously omitted from an album geared to the Smiths singles, in favor of the now-classic album mix.
It has been less than one year since the Smiths Best and Best 2, both "greatest hits" compilations, were released; people who did not wish to acquire the entire collection surely bought these two discs.
Why would anyone buy such a repetitive compilation? Smiths and Morrissey fans have more of a compulsive nature about owning anything and everything of their idol, and a recent U.K. top 10 placing for this collection only drives the point home further.
The only redeeming feature for these loyalists is the pictures of all the single sleeves. The associated 13 pounds ($20) price hardly seems justified. American loyalists can purchase the collection with slightly different artwork on May 23.
So, although the Smiths are arguably the greatest British export this side of the Beatles, there is no reason for this travesty to ever see the light of day. Let me get what I want - and please, please, please purchase the *rest* of the Smiths collection, even the two Best compilations, instead of this one.
